Osterspai
The people of Osterspai like their Enges Törchen, or ‘narrow gateway’. This
doesn’t refer to a certain lack of space in the community’s historic centre, but
is the name of a leafy sandbank in the Rhine just downstream of the village,
which offers hours of carefree recreation, especially in summer: the fine sands of
the Rhine are perfect for sunbathing and you can cool your feet in the refreshing
river water. Not far away, anglers bide their time waiting for a catch which the
local cormorants often snatch from under their noses.
This inviting green space just outside the village is also often populated by a large flock of wild geese that seem to love the location. People passing through like to stop at the fruit stalls with their inviting displays of fresh produce.
Most customers buy local apples, pears, cherries and plums, as well as stocking
up on wine and fruit juices. Osterspai is also home to one of the best wine-growers on the Middle Rhine who has his winery and tavern here.
Osterspai is worth exploring: the centre of the village is a sheer delight with all its old, half-timbered houses. It was once a stopping place on the Way of St. James – the pilgrims’ route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The 12th century Jakobskapelle (Chapel of St. James) reminds visitors of the pilgrims who once
passed through here wearing the scallop shell, the symbol of St. James.